MARVEL COMICS

All-New Captain America #4

Written by Rick Remender | Drawn by Stuart Immonen

If you need an illustration of what makes Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson so different as heroes, look no further than this issue. Sure, there’s plenty of epic Cap vs. Hydra action as Sam races across the globe and does battle with various Hydra faces both large and small. Stuart Immonen’s storytelling talents demand no less when it comes to action and spectacle. But it’s the glimpse inside the hero’s head and his reaction to poverty and other injustices that highlights Sam’s unique qualities. This is a character who has sacrificed and continues to sacrifice nearly everything for the greater good. Rick Remender was wise to throw Sam into the deep end with this united Hydra enemy. It’s allowed the hero to shine and stand well apart from the other characters to wield the shield. -Jesse

Final Score:

8.9

The Legendary Star-Lord #7

Written by Sam Humphries | Drawn by Paco Medina

"Do you remember a time when the Guardians weren't possessed/manipulated by some sort of extraterrestrial force? Neither do we. The problems of the universe spill over into Peter and Kitty's relationship as Sam Humphries and Paco Medina increase the pull of the Black Vortex. While such setup makes for some nifty costume changes and "come at me, bro" moments, the overall progression of the event continues to slog." -Jeff

6.8

Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man #10

Written by Brian Michael Bendis | Drawn by David Marquez

You wouldn’t know from reading this comic that the Ultimate Universe is due for elimination in just a matter of months. And that’s probably for the best. Brian Bendis continues exploring Miles’ place in the Ultimate U. following the return of his father and the revelations of the past two issues. This issue delivers an effective blend of humor, personal conflicts and bigger drama as Miles deals with his feelings for Katie Bishop and his first exposure to the menace that is Hydra. And Ganke shows off his killer moves. Artist David Marquez returns to a more familiar style with this issue. All that really matters is that his elegant, cinematic renderings continue to make this one of Marvel’s most visually attractive comics. -Jesse

Final Score:

9.0

Ms. Marvel #12

Written by G. Willow Wilson | Drawn by Elmo Bondoc

This series has begun to emphasize superhero team-ups a bit more than I’d like, but at least G. Willow Wilson is able to handle the various guest stars with both class and humor. She exploits the Kamala/Loki pairing to full effect despite the pretty flimsy justification for the Prince of Lies appearing in the book at all. This issue is worth a read solely to see everyone poking fun at the “hipster Viking” in their midst. That, coupled with the Valentine’s Dance subplot, leads to a really funny and charming little issue. Guest artist Elmo Bondoc does a great job filling in for Adrian Alphona. He replicates the book’s distinctive style without downright aping Alphona. Maybe this issue doesn’t further Kamala’s ongoing conflicts much, but at least it provides another satisfying dose of Ms. Marvel. -Jesse

Final Score:

8.6

Silk #1

Written by Robbie Thompson | Drawn by Stacey Lee

Spinoff superhero titles do not have a great track record these days and often arrive dead in the water. This week’s Silk #1, spinning out of the events of Amazing Spider-Man and the mega-event Spider-Verse, seems intent to change that. Silk is, simply put, the best spinoff book Marvel has put out in ages. The credit for this falls entirely on its largely unknown creative team. Writer Robbie Thompson balances exposition with forward storytelling motion with expertise, never bogging the book down with too much expository information. Silk is a fully-realized character within the first few pages of the book and is immediately easy to root for. The rest of the book’s draw comes from artist Stacey Lee, who is officially a Name To Watch after this book. Her work is beautiful and evocative of peers like Babs Tarr and Jordan Gibson. It’s youthful and vibrant and just plain pretty. Silk #1 might slip under your radar this week. Don’t let it. This book is entirely deserving of a wide audience. Help give it one. -Tres

Final Score:

8.7

Silver Surfer #9

Written by Dan Slott | Drawn by Michael Allred

Of the many things Dan Slott brings to Silver Surfer, it's his ability to make the small moments big that stands out the most. With that in mind, his attempt to go big somehow has the reverse effect, the introduction of Galactus leading to a somewhat disconnected issue. The book's setup is solid, if not a bit rushed, Norrin detailing his time serving the purple planet eater to Dawn before you-know-who shows up in the rather large flesh. From then on its all action, Dawn relegated to hemming and hawing as the Surfer surfs moons at his former master. It's not bad by any means, but it does lack the charm that usually pervades Slott's finely tuned scripts. Thankfully, any qualms are easily put to rest with every Michael Allred panel. He and colorist Laura Allred combine for a litany of outrageous visuals, none more so than the aforementioned moon sequence. That two page spread alone is poetry in motion. -Jeff

Final Score:

7.0

She-Hulk #12

Written by Charles Soule | Drawn by Javier Pulido

"It's unfortunate this book never found the audience some of its contemporaries have, but at least Soule was able to wrap up his original 12-issue storyline as intended. This issue provides a fitting cap to the mystery of the Blue File and this stage in Jen Walter's career. Unfortunately, the final sequence loses a lot of its emotional punch as the book halfheartedly sets up another case for our heroes that will never play out in these pages. Still, this is a worthy sendoff for the big green heroine." -Jesse

8.1

Uncanny X-Men #31

Written by Brian Michael Bendis | Drawn by Chris Bachalo

"That's a petty swanky cover, right? Don't get too excited; it has nothing to do with the contents of this issue. Instead, Uncanny X-Men #31 finally wraps up the once promising but now painfully overextended 'Last Will and Testament of Charles Xavier.' This finale issue manages to be both intriguing and infuriating in equal measure. It offers some surprising revelations and changes for several characters, but they in no way justify the overall plodding pace of this arc." -Jesse

7.0

Wolverines #7

Written by Charles Soule & Ray Fawkes | Drawn by Kris Anka

As per usual, this series remains the most schizophrenic Marvel book on the stands. This issue allows Charles Soule and Ray Fawkes to take a bit of a breather and refocus in the aftermath of the team’s failed attempt to liberate Wolverine’s body. The larger direction of the book is becoming more clear, though not necessarily quick enough for a series that we now know is ending in May. The smaller cast in this issue helps the characters stand out, particularly Mystique and Shogun. But more than anything, it’s Kris Anka’s pencils that benefit this issue. The series practically lives and dies each week on the strength of its artist. And after some real rough patches, it’s nice to have Anka’s clean, elegant style propping up the book. -Jesse